From virtual to hybrid: attendees’ ideas for virtual conference improvements and future conferences

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> COVID-19 forced conferences online, but with easing travel restrictions amid ongoing uncertainty, organisers have begun planning for hybrid (virtual and in-person) formats. Understanding attendees’ needs and ideas will improve conference planning. <b>Aim:</b> To explore attendees’ perspectives on virtual conference improvements and their ideas for the in-person and virtual components of future hybrid conferences. <b>Methods:</b> An online survey was distributed to 16,888 attendees of an international virtual conference. <b>Results:</b> 823 (4.9%) surveys were completed. Frequently mentioned needs were <i>technical improvements</i>&nbsp;(n=77), <i>greater interactivity between delegates</i> (n=54) and <i>fewer simultaneous sessions</i> (n=38). 56% of respondents would prefer a hybrid format in future with virtual sessions held throughout the year and an in-person conference; 33% prefer in-person and 11% prefer virtual formats alone. For in-person activity, respondents would prioritize <i>clinical skills workshops</i> (n=132), <i>replication of previous traditional conference presentation formats</i> (n=79) and <i>debates</i> (n=45). For virtual activity, respondents would prioritize <i>having the virtual conference format similar to as conducted in 2021</i>, (n=118), <i>clinical case discussions</i> (n=95) and <i>topic review sessions</i> (n=49). <b>Conclusion:</b> Attendees suggest technical improvements and greater interactivity as virtual conference improvements. Future conferences are preferred in a hybrid format, with a virtual component similar to the previous virtual congress and an in-person component including live clinical skills workshops.